Match Corps Frequently Asked Questions

For links to more detailed FAQs about the Match Corps at each campus, please scroll down to the end of the General FAQs.

General

1. Who are the students who attend Match Charter Public School?

Match students come from all over Boston, and there is no entrance exam or application essay, just a straight lottery where the application form just asks for the student's residential address and basic contact information for the family.

Most of our students come from low-income households, and most are Black or Hispanic. Many arrive with math and literacy skills that are below their official grade level. Demographically, as urban youth, they arrive with just a 1-in-10 chance of earning a college degree. Our mission is to support their accelerated academic growth, so that each student, regardless of their skill level when they first enroll, goes on to thrive and succeed both in college and beyond.

2. I've seen different forms of tutoring. What do Match Corps members actually do?

Match Corps members provide their students with individualized academic instruction in math and literacy, in a small group setting, during the school day, utilizing curriculum materials provided to them by teachers and school leadership. Each student has tutorial as a period in their daily schedule just like their core academic classes. Tutorial sessions typically takes up four or more periods of each tutor's workday.

Additionally, Corps members are also assigned a secondary duty, where they assist a faculty or staff member several hours per week. Finally, tutors devote time to preparing for upcoming tutorials, call their student's parent or guardian weekly, and might spend some time after school helping the most at-risk students with their homework.

3. How are secondary duties assigned?

After having the opportunity to learn about the opportunities available at their campus during summer training, Corps members apply to their top choices and interview with the applicable teachers or staff members. Match Corps members rank their preferred projects, and the staff members identify the applicants they were most excited to collaborate with. The Match Corps director takes all this into account when assigning positions; Corps members usually receive one of their top two choices.

4. What kind of housing is available?

Match Corps members are offered the option to live in group apartments near their respective schools, based on availability. Everyone shares a bedroom with at least one other Corps member of the same gender, and shares bathroom, kitchen and living space with a larger group. Accommodations are furnished, and the rent includes all utilities. Housing is offered on a first come, first serve basis based on availability and is not guaranteed to all Corps members. Each year, there are always some Corps members who seek independent living arrangements regardless of availability.

5. Can Match Corps members really support themselves financially on the stipend?

Yes! Some Corps members have help from their families, dip into savings or find ways to earn a little extra on the side to make living on the Corps budget more comfortable, but many Corps members live on the stipend without help from outside sources.

6. Will I be able to defer my student loans during my year as a Match Corps member?

Match Corps members may be eligible to temporarily postpone the repayment of their qualified student loans through an action called loan forbearance. While your loan is in forbearance during your term of service, interest continues to accrue. However, if you successfully complete your term of service the National Service Trust will pay all or a portion of the interest that accrued on your qualified student loans during your service period. Please visit the CNCS site to learn more.

7. How do I earn the Segal Education Award and where can i use it?

The Segal Education Award is granted to Corps members upon completion of their year of service in Match Corps. It can be used toward many types of post-secondary education costs, like qualified student loans or future expenses at eligible post-secondary institutions. The specific value of the award varies from year to year; for 2015-2016 Corps members, the full education award amount is valued at $5,775.00. AmeriCorps members are eligible to earn up to two full awards in their lifetime. To find out more information, click here.

8. Will I be able to receive SNAP benefits (also known as food stamps) during my year as a Match Corps member?

Many AmeriCorps volunteers are often eligible for SNAP benefits of up to almost $200/month to be used toward food. Match cannot guarantee that you will or will not be eligible, as the ability to receive SNAP benefits (or other government subsidies) is entirely up to the federal government and is specific to your own personal situation. Match can verify your participation in its AmeriCorps program when you apply. To find out more about the SNAP Program and eligibility, click here or here.

9. What kind of training do Corps members receive prior to starting their work with students?

There are two weeks of full-time training in August before the school year starts, as well as ongoing professional development over the course of the year. During summer training, Corps members get to know the Match community and culture, learn how to build professional relationships with students and their families, are introduced to instructional and behavior management techniques to run effective tutorials, and help the rest of the staff prepare for the students' arrival.

10. How do i know if I can apply?

To be eligible for our AmeriCorps Program, Match Corps members:

Must be 18 or older.

Must have attained a bachelor's degree by the start of training in August.

Must be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Permanent Resident, with accompanying documentation.

Must have served no more than three previous AmeriCorps terms (Terms can be of any length).

Must be committed to serving one full school year at Match.

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply before one of our deadlines below.

Priority Deadline

November 27, 2017

Spring Deadline

February 22, 2018

Final Deadline

April 19, 2018**if openings remain

Each deadline provides guidance to candidates on the likelihood of securing a position in Match Corps in their ideal grade range. The earlier candidates apply, the more likely they are to be placed at their preferred school level. We take all candidates' preferences and experiences into consideration during the application process. However, we cannot guarantee placement at any point in the year.